Indigenous

Helpful resources and an upcoming retreat with educator Takiema Bunche Smith.

November is Native American Heritage Month. In this activity, students examine a small portion of the history of the Wahzhazhe people, known as the Osage, by delving into two recent news stories.

Indigenous People's Day and Native American Heritage Month (in November) are an opportunity to learn about Indigenous peoples' history, culture, and perspectives. 

Students discuss the land where they live, and the Indigenous peoples who once lived there. Then they get to know each other by reflecting on four aspects of their lives, using Native American teachings on the Medicine Wheel. 

The question “who owns the land?” underlies many conflicts. Students explore issues surrounding land, place, and belonging – especially as they affect Native Americans and African Americans.

In this two-part lesson, teachers and students explore the concept of Truth and Reconciliation Commissions as a way for nations and communities to begin dialogues and chart a path toward healing.

Students learn about why so many languages around the world are facing extinction, and how indigenous movements are fighting to preserve their languages. They consider several distinctive words for which there is no English translation, and, in small groups, make up a word of their own to describe...